’Nay, they are already at liberty, upon bail of a more civic disposition.’

’Then why is thy noble spirit cast down, Edward?  Dost think that the Elector’s ministers are such doves as to set their enemies at liberty at this critical moment if they could or durst confine and punish them?  Assure thyself that either they have no charge against your relations on which they can continue their imprisonment, or else they are afraid of our friends, the jolly Cavaliers of old England.  At any rate, you need not be apprehensive upon their account; and we will find some means of conveying to them assurances of your safety.’

Edward was silenced but not satisfied with these reasons.  He had now been more than once shocked at the small degree of sympathy which Fergus exhibited for the feelings even of those whom he loved, if they did not correspond with his own mood at the time, and more especially if they thwarted him while earnest in a favourite pursuit.  Fergus sometimes indeed observed that he had offended Waverley, but, always intent upon some favourite plan or project of his own, he was never sufficiently aware of the extent or duration of his displeasure, so that the reiteration of these petty offences somewhat cooled the volunteer’s extreme attachment to his officer.

The Chevalier received Waverley with his usual favour, and paid him many compliments on his distinguished bravery.  He then took him apart, made many inquiries concerning Colonel Talbot, and when he had received all the information which Edward was able to give concerning him and his connexions, he proceeded—­’I cannot but think, Mr. Waverley, that since this gentleman is so particularly connected with our worthy and excellent friend, Sir Everard Waverley, and since his lady is of the house of Blandeville, whose devotion to the true and loyal principles of the Church of England is so generally known, the Colonel’s own private sentiments cannot be unfavorable to us, whatever mask he may have assumed to accommodate himself to the times.’

’If I am to judge from the language he this day held to me, I am under the necessity of differing widely from your Royal Highness.’

’Well, it is worth making a trial at least.  I therefore entrust you with the charge of Colonel Talbot, with power to act concerning him as you think most advisable; and I hope you will find means of ascertaining what are his real dispositions towards our Royal Father’s restoration.’

‘I am convinced,’ said Waverley, bowing,’that if Colonel Talbot chooses to grant his parole, it may be securely depended upon; but if he refuses it, I trust your Royal Highness will devolve on some other person than the nephew of his friend the task of laying him under the necessary restraint.’

‘I will trust him with no person but you,’ said the Prince, smiling, but peremptorily repeating his mandate; ’it is of importance to my service that there should appear to be a good intelligence between you, even if you are unable to gain his confidence in earnest.  You will therefore receive him into your quarters, and in case he declines giving his parole, you must apply for a proper guard.  I beg you will go about this directly.  We return to Edinburgh tomorrow.’